An Inspector calls - Key terms + characters

AQA English Literature

Inspector Goole

Omniscient character promoting socialist values.

Dramatic vehicle

Character used to convey thematic messages.

Socialism

Political ideology advocating for social ownership.

Empathetic character

Character that evokes compassion and understanding.

Mouthpiece

Character representing the author's views directly.

Moral lesson

Teaching about responsible citizenship through actions.

Proleptic irony

Dramatic irony referencing future consequences.

Fire and blood

Imagery representing war and suffering consequences.

Social responsibility

Obligation to act for the welfare of others.

Interwar years

Period between WWI and WWII affecting societal views.

Capitalist mindset

Belief in individualism and profit over community.

Impressionable youth

Younger generation more open to change.

Generational disparity

Differences in attitudes between young and old.

Mr. Birling

Character symbolizing capitalist arrogance and ignorance.

Hypocrisy

Contradiction between beliefs and actions, especially in Mr. Birling.

Eva's bravery

Symbolizes the struggle for workers' rights.

Welfare State

Government system providing social services and support.

Change catalyst

Inspector inspires younger characters to seek change.

Harsh tone

Dramatic effect created through powerful word choice.

Capitalism critique

Criticism of capitalist values through character portrayals.

Audience reflection

Encouragement for viewers to consider their own behaviors.

Caring society

Ideal community where individuals support one another.

Mr Birling

A symbol of capitalist arrogance and classism.

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows Titanic sank, highlighting Birling's foolishness.

Simile

Comparison used to belittle socialist ideas.

Capitalist Ideology

Focus on profit over social responsibility.

Labour Cost

Financial term prioritizing profit over employee welfare.

Social Responsibility

Obligation to care for community welfare.

Elitism

Belief in superiority of upper classes.

Dismissive Language

Words showing lack of empathy or concern.

Symbolism of Bees

Represents socialists as mindless and unindividualistic.

Mrs Birling

Critique of upper-class ignorance and arrogance.

Repetition

Emphasizes Birling's arrogance about the Titanic.

Community

Concept of shared responsibility among individuals.

Socialism

Political ideology advocating for community welfare.

Audience Reaction

1945 audience angered by Birling's indifference.

Inspector

Represents moral authority challenging capitalist views.

Pride

Excessive self-esteem leading to moral blindness.

Moral Inferiority

Lack of ethical standards in characters.

Welfare State

Government system providing social support post-1945.

Class Division

Separation based on socio-economic status.

Caring Society

Ideal of mutual support and equality.

Arrogance

Overbearing pride affecting moral judgment.

Detachment

Emotional disconnection from others' suffering.

Mrs. Birling

Symbolizes upper-class arrogance and pride.

Public Image

Mrs. Birling prioritizes reputation over empathy.

Stereotyping the Poor

Assumes lower classes seek money opportunistically.

Contemptuous Language

Uses 'that sort' to demean working class.

Class Barrier

Creates distance from the working class.

Prejudice

Rejects Eva's case based on class bias.

Incomprehensible Working Class

Views lower class as different and inferior.

Condescending Tone

Believes upper class is superior to lower class.

Irresponsibility

Considers lower class incapable of responsible choices.

Infantilizing Tone

Describes lower class women as immature and vulnerable.

Upper Class Ignorance

Unaware of lower class struggles and realities.

Hypocrisy

Blames father for child's responsibility, reveals her own.

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows Eric is the father before Mrs. Birling.

Imperative Verb

'Go' shows her dismissive and authoritative attitude.

Frustration

Her anger towards the inspector becomes evident.

Assertive Short Sentences

Used to convey her authority and disdain.

Societal Disgust

Audience in 1945 would find her attitude appalling.

Social Ranking

Embarrassed by husband's lower status in society.

Irony of Gender Roles

Mrs. Birling holds social superiority over her husband.

Naivety

Clueless about the realities faced by the poor.

Capitalist Blindness

Wealth blinds her to the suffering of others.

Moral Responsibility

Fails to acknowledge her role in societal issues.

Mrs. Birling

Undermines husband's authority, asserting dominance.

Sheila Birling

Transitional character promoting socialism and empathy.

Juxtaposition

Contrasting ideas to highlight Sheila's socialist views.

Socialist tendencies

Beliefs advocating for social equality and justice.

Humanist perspective

Recognizing intrinsic value of all individuals.

Patriarchal control

Male dominance in family structures and society.

Eric Birling

Remorseful character reflecting on personal responsibility.

Collective responsibility

Shared accountability for societal actions and consequences.

Moral superiority

Higher ethical standards compared to others.

Naïve character

Initially unaware, later gains social awareness.

Compassion

Empathy towards others' suffering and struggles.

Dramatic vehicle

Character used to convey broader themes.

Changing values

Shift in societal norms and beliefs over time.

Audience reflection

Encouraging viewers to consider their own behaviors.

Upper class perspective

Viewpoint of privileged individuals on lower classes.

Transition in character

Development from ignorance to awareness and responsibility.

Bravery

Courage to challenge societal norms and expectations.

1912 upper classes

Social elite before World War I, traditional values.

1945 audience

Post-war viewers with different societal expectations.

Eva Smith

Symbol of working-class struggles and societal neglect.

Fire, blood and anguish

Consequences of societal neglect and moral failure.

Inspector's message

Theme of interconnectedness and social responsibility.

Socialist views

Eric begins to adopt socialist beliefs post-1945.

Patriarchal power

Fathers held authority over families in 1912.

Half shy half assertive

Describes Eric's unpredictable and unstable nature.

Inadequate connotation

'Half' suggests Eric's confusion and self-awareness issues.

Regretful statement

Eric acknowledges guilt for his actions affecting Eva.

Moral standards

Eric shows greater compassion than his dismissive mother.

Generational contrast

Eric's change highlights youth's openness to new ideas.

Inspector's message

'We are members of one body' emphasizes collective responsibility.

Questioning authority

Eric challenges his father's capitalist views on wages.

Empathy for workers

Eric understands the need for higher wages.

Moral superiority

Eric's values contrast sharply with Mr. Birling's views.

Changing values

Eric represents the younger generation's evolving beliefs.